How should puzzle games end?

[Legend]

Yeah this is a Hapax thread. I might have even made this thread before.


I have one Hapax ending, have had it for years, but thing have shifted and I need a second ending.

So what are your fav game endings?

[Legend]

Outer Wilds
Great ending.

Spoiler for Hidden:

Unlike the rest of the game, it is a long linear sequence. But man does it work. Less about revealing secrets, more about reflecting on the journey.

Outer Wilds Echoes of the Eye
Meh ending.

Spoiler for Hidden:

Friendly owl alien is cool, but otherwise it isn't definitive enough. Feels like it could just be the end of act 1, not the full end.

Return of the Obra Dinn
Meh

Spoiler for Hidden:

You just call it quits whenever you want. Extra level if you got enough right, but at that point what's the point? Not really rewarding beyond answering some questions.

Her Story
Bad

Spoiler for Hidden:

But how could it be anything but bad? It's just a "click to finish the game" button. The emotional ending was already experienced in the videos, hopefully.

Chants of Sennaar
Ok

Spoiler for Hidden:

Dream sequence revisiting old areas, little emotional payoff of the world being friendly now.

The Witness
Good and Meh

Spoiler for Hidden:

First ending is frustrating. Second ending is a revelation of your journey. Weird but kinda works. Complete change of pace, linear sequence and then video. I enjoyed it.

Rain World
Good

Spoiler for Hidden:

The puzzle's made it lose momentum, but it felt big. Good buildup, decent delivery.

Talos Principle 2
Ok

Spoiler for Hidden:

I only really remember the special ending and bringing back Miranda from the dead. That felt nice.

[Legend]

Old og VizionEck had some crazy endings. Like nearly everything has changed so I probably wouldn't spoil too much by revealing them, but oh boy. Like one sure was out there.